SOUTH COAST

This premier region begins as one travels south from Sydney through the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands towards Canberra.

The region offers a magnificent diversity of coastal, forest, mountain and rural country. Its natural, unspoilt environment provides the atmosphere for a peaceful, relaxing or adventurous visit.

Must see attraction:

Shoalhaven: Main towns include Nowra, Ulladulla, famous for its fishing fleet. Jervis Bay with its dazzling white sands and crystal clear waters is a seaside lovers delight.

Eurobodalla Nature Coast: Batemans Bay is a popular resort for fishing and sailing. Further south are Moruya – gateway to numerous National Parks, and Narooma – the departure point for tours to Montague Island with its penguins and seals.

Sapphire coast: Bermagui – a centre for game fishing known throughout the world, Bega and its famous cheeses and dairy herds, Merimbula and Eden with the magnificent Twofold Bay and whale festival each year.

Camp on Pebbly Beach amongst the friendly kangaroos. Jervis Bay Marine National Park, is a playground for diving, sailing and sea kayaking.

Ulladulla marine activities: Ulladulla Harbour is a popular spot for fishing, with a range of seafood restaurants and cafes nearby. Nearby Mollymook Beach is a renowned surfing beach.

The South Coast is also rich in cultural assets from vibrant festivals, to an extensive and quality artistic scene. Visit the National Trust village of Central Tilba for a fascinating slice of Australian history or find out Berry, the arts and craft centre of the region.

Restaurants: South coast eateries are showing lot of innovation in the kitchen and creating some very exciting menus. The use of South Coast produce is an important aspect for their success, and presents diners with an opportunity to savour these fresh, local flavours.

Fresh seafood, vegetables, spices, beef, poultry and lamb, from non-polluting pasturelands are all pleasing to the palate. The coast is well known for its fine food including fresh seafood (try the great oysters) and specialist dairy products. These include several cheese manufacturers with the most famous being Bega Cheese at Bega.

Some winners are:

Mylan restaurant, Wollongong

Nikki’s Old Fire station, Nowra

Golden palace Restaurant, Bargo

Seagrass Brasserie, Huskisson

Elizans restaurant, Ulladulla

Addison’s seafood Grill and Bar, Shell Harbour Village

Ruby’s Country Style cuisine, Mount Kembla

Night life:

If you're looking for something to do on the South Coast after the sun has gone down, head to the clubber’s paradise for a night out until the sun comes back up. Club styles vary from Top 40 dance hits and alternative rock to modern house and acid jazz. You really can dance till you drop.

Whatever your taste and budget you, should be able to find a club you like. Clubs are packed with tourists during peak holiday seasons. Drinks are reasonably cheap compared to big city prices.South Coast comes alive at night, especially on the weekends with trippers come down from nearby towns. Smart casual is the way to go. Jeans, sneakers and collar shirts are best for men while the ladies can get away with anything.